Did you know that one in 10 athletes suffer from one or more foot and ankle injuries at least once during a season? Those are some alarming statistics, and playing football without the appropriate cleats increases the risk of injury. A more concerning aspect is that football is a “rough” and “dangerous” sport with a high injury rate.
It’s still incredibly difficult to find not only an original pair of football cleats but also the right fit, even though there are literally millions on the market. Therefore, in this article, we will guide you by providing you with the best football cleats on the market today.
This topic has been covered many times in the past, below is our buying guide so that you can make the best decision when buying football cleats in 2021:
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MAKE SURE YOU ARE COMFORTABLE WITH THE COMPONENTS OF THE CLEAT
The three main parts of cleats are the toe, ankle, and heel. In other words, they’re the upper, midsoles, and outsoles. You get the protection and comfort you deserve from cleats when all three work together. You’ll be better prepared to choose the right cleats the next time you purchase them once you’re familiar with them.
You might have guessed that the Upper is the top part of the cleat. This is the point at which the laces are tied so that the shoe is secure and snug. The uppers of football shoes are usually made of leather or synthetic leather, and they are meant to endure wear and tear while playing the game.
Midsoles, on the other hand, are sometimes referred to as footbeds. It’s the cushion you have on your foot and heel so that you can play football without feeling as much impact. Furthermore, it provides comfort while playing or practicing.
The outsole of a shoe is commonly referred to as its sole or tip. In order for a shoe to function properly, it must have an outsole that provides stability and traction. There are also various spike options for the outsoles of the shoes that may assist you in your cutting technique and acceleration.
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MAKE SURE YOU ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE CLEAT STYLES
Molded cleats are the most popular type of cleats, but you can also get Detachable cleats if you prefer the turf look. The cleats can be divided into these styles depending on whether they have studs or nubs, as we will discuss in the following paragraphs.
It is important to note that molded cleats usually have permanently attached studs, which means that, if these fittings get damaged, the whole shoe should be replaced. Due to the fact that they can only be used on one type of surface, these cleats are not very versatile. Likewise, it is not possible to alter the length of the studs on these cleats. Although they are the cheapest and require the least amount of maintenance of all cleat types, they are also the least expensive.
The most expensive type of cleat is the one with removable cleats. These cleats have numerous features that football players might benefit from. In short, they offer almost everything molded sneakers cannot. The stud can be changed, and the length can be adjusted, so they can be used in almost any field. But they also require a lot more maintenance than the former. Whether you prefer something in the middle of something in between, maybe the last type of cleats is what you need.
Turf cleats are made of a special material that has small rubber nubs attached to the bottom of the sole to enhance traction. They can however be used on a variety of surfaces such as hard ground, artificial turf, and firm ground, though they do not offer the same degree of versatility as detachable cleats. Many people believe that the type of cleats that are popular today are the best type of training cleats.
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YOU SHOULD BE AWARE OF YOUR PLAYING POSITION
If you are going to play football at your designated position on the field, then it is imperative that you wear cleats that will give you the comfort you require. You should keep in mind that since your position differs from the position of others, the quality of cleats and your preference should also be yours.
It is best to wear high-cut cleats if you are a linebacker, a guard, or a center for instance. There is no doubt that these cleats provide the best support for the player, but they are also quite heavy due to the additional material added to the cleat.
In comparison, mid-cut cleats provide a bit of support while providing a bit less friction, but since their fit is lower, it will be easier for the user to move during a game. Those with mid-cut cleats won’t only benefit cornerbacks and running backs but also quarterbacks and linebackers who move rapidly on the field.
The last but not least benefit of low-cut cleats is that they might not only give the player a good amount of flexibility, but they also allow the player to run more quickly on the field. Even though these cleats offer the least level of support, they are also the lightest option available among all the cleat cuts.
MAKE SURE YOU GET THE RIGHT FIT
You need to follow a few points when choosing cleats. There are several different materials used to make cleats; the first step is to check the material.
Since leather cleats stretch with time, you’ll want to pay attention to how they would fit when they eventually do stretch. Furthermore, synthetic leather cleats won’t stretch, so it’s best to get the right size when purchasing them.
The next step in choosing the right cleats is checking the material as well as taking into consideration your playing position in preparation. In order for the forefoot to fit snugly in the heel, this space should not be larger than a finger’s width.
ACCESSORIES ARE EASILY AVAILABLE
If you purchase cleats from a specific brand or model, they may have accessories that are easier to get. You may have to buy new cleats if yours get damaged even though they don’t necessarily require any additional accessories. Therefore, it’s a good idea to take care of your cleats.
Athletes should prepare themselves for any competition by coming to it prepared. Be sure that none of your gear is damaged or faulty so that you don’t miss out on the fun you are going to have.
For example, if you don’t have extra shoelaces, you might find it handy just in case the ones you’re using break. You should keep a supply of replacement studs on hand, especially if your football cleats are detachable.
Additionally, regular use of antioxidant products, such as oil and conditioner formulated for sole protection, can help maintain your shoes in their best condition for as long as possible.
Conclusion
In order to prevent injuries and maximize performance, football players need to wear cleats that fit well and offer a lot of traction. It can be overwhelming to pick the right cleat from the many choices available, and I do not think it is easy to do.
The risk of knee and ankle injuries increases if you wear typical grass blades. Ensure that the one you select meets your needs.
